Bulldogs add Laise to coaching staff, bring back Wilson

Hamilton, ON, Canada / AM900 CHML | Hamilton News

Posted: July 14, 2016 06:12 am

(Hamilton Bulldogs)

Hamilton Bulldogs President and General Manager Steve Staios announced that Ron Wilson will be returning in his role as Assistant Coach with the team while the club has hired Vince Laise as an Assistant Coach.

“Vince has an excellent mind for hockey with a proven track record of developing young players both on and off the ice,” stated Bulldogs Head Coach John Gruden in a media release. “Ron’s experience and knowledge combined with his commitment to success made it an easy decision to have him return to his role.”

Laise, a native of Brampton, spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League. Laise has also been an assistant coach with the Oakville Blades (OJHL) and Brampton Bombers (GOJHL).

Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Laise spent four years with the University of Maine Black Bears playing in two NCAA Frozen Four Tournaments.

After his collegiate career, Laise suited up in two professional games with the Fort Wayne Komets of the IHL. In addition to coaching, Laise has been the lead On-Ice Hockey Skills Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Athlete Training Centre since 2009.

“We are very pleased to welcome Ron back and add Vince to our organization,” said Staios in a media release. “The different experiences, characteristics and skill sets that each member of our coaching staff has will be extremely beneficial to the development of our players.”

Wilson, a native of Toronto, spent last season as an Assistant Coach with the Bulldogs, building upon an already tremendous resume that includes both a playing and coaching career. Wilson served as an assistant coach in the American Hockey League with the Moncton Hawks (1988-89, 1989-90), Springfield Falcons (1996-97 to 1999-2000), Saint John Flames (2000-01 to 2002-03), Hamilton Bulldogs (2003-04 to 2008-09, and 2011-12, 2012-13) and Chicago Wolves (2009-10, 2010-11).

He was also head coach of Saint John and Hamilton on an interim basis in 2002-03 and 2008-09, respectively, and won two Calder Cups with the Flames in 2001 and Bulldogs in 2007. Wilson played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Winnipeg Jets, St. Louis Blues and Montreal Canadiens, registering 326 points (110 goals, 216 assists) in 832 regular season games. He added 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) in 63 playoff contests.